Smoky Skillet Lasagna with Crispy Lentils Recipe
If you’re ready to elevate comfort food to new heights, this Smoky Skillet Lasagna with Crispy Lentils is your ticket! Imagine all the flavor and coziness of classic lasagna, but with a clever twist: smoky tomato sauce, ribbons of ricotta and mozzarella, AND golden, crunchy lentils for an addictive finish. It all happens in a single skillet (goodbye, layer after layer of fuss), but don’t let that simplicity fool you—each bite is layered with Italian-inspired goodness, just the right touch of heat, and bursts of texture that will make this one irresistible weeknight dinner or easy entertaining star.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Smoky Skillet Lasagna with Crispy Lentils serves a distinct purpose—building up that signature smokiness, creamy-cheesy comfort, and, of course, those magical crispy lentils. Nothing fancy, but everything is essential!
- Olive oil: The backbone of so many Italian favorites, it crisps up your lentils and gives veggies luscious flavor.
- Cooked lentils (drained and patted dry): The secret to those crave-worthy crispy bits on top—dry them well for supreme crunch!
- Onion (diced): Brings sweetness and a savory base that makes the sauce truly aromatic.
- Garlic (minced): Adds warmth and depth—don’t skimp; it’s a key player here.
- Smoked paprika: The star spice, giving that smoky undertone that makes this skillet lasagna shine.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little zing, a pinch goes a long way.
- Dried oregano: Rounds out the Italian vibe and wakes up the sauce.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all those big flavors to life.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity—freshly cracked is best!
- Crushed tomatoes (1 can, 28-ounce): The juicy, saucy base for every forkful of lasagna.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- Lasagna noodles (broken into large pieces): Gives you classic lasagna texture without stacking layers—so satisfying!
- Water or vegetable broth: Helps the noodles cook and soaks up all the flavor.
- Whole milk ricotta: Delivers pockets of pillowy creaminess. Pure joy.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The ultimate melt factor for a stretchy, bubbly finish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Salty, savory, and so Italian—you’ll taste it in every bite.
- Fresh basil (chopped, for garnish): Adds a fragrant finish and a burst of color.
How to Make Smoky Skillet Lasagna with Crispy Lentils
Step 1: Crisp Up the Lentils
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high. Pat those lentils as dry as you can—then spread them in a single layer. Let them sizzle undisturbed for four to five minutes, then give them a stir and let the other sides crisp for another two to three minutes. They should be golden and crunchy, adding the “wow” texture that really puts this Smoky Skillet Lasagna with Crispy Lentils over the top! Once crisped, scoop them out and set aside for the grand finale.
Step 2: Make the Flavor Base
Lower the heat to medium and drizzle in the rest of your olive oil. Add diced onion and let it sauté until translucent and sweet-smelling—about three or four minutes. Sprinkle in the garlic, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir for just a minute, letting the aroma fill your kitchen and the spices toast slightly for that big smoky flavor.
Step 3: Simmer the Saucy Goodness
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring well to combine. Now, scatter your broken lasagna noodles right into the skillet and pour in water or vegetable broth, making sure the noodles are as submerged as possible. Bring everything up to a gentle boil—then reduce the heat, pop a lid on, and let it simmer away for 15–20 minutes. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure tender noodles and thick, irresistible sauce in every bite.
Step 4: Cheesy Finish
Once your noodles are perfectly cooked and the sauce has thickened into lasagna dreams, dollop spoonfuls of ricotta all over the surface. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and a dusting of Parmesan for a blanket of cheese that will get gloriously gooey. Stick the skillet under the broiler for two or three minutes until the cheese bubbles and starts to brown in spots—stay close, this happens fast!
Step 5: Top and Serve
Take your Smoky Skillet Lasagna with Crispy Lentils out of the oven (careful, that handle will be hot!). Scatter the reserved crispy lentils across the top, shower over plenty of chopped fresh basil, and serve while steaming hot. The first spoonful is pure bliss: creamy, cheesy, smoky, and punctuated with addictively crunchy lentils.
How to Serve Smoky Skillet Lasagna with Crispy Lentils
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of fresh basil right before serving brings a pop of cool, herbal flavor that perfectly balances the rich, smoky skillet lasagna. If you want to get extra fancy, add a flurry of extra Parmesan or a quick grating of lemon zest for a bright finish. The crispy lentils are non-negotiable—don’t forget to pile them high!
Side Dishes
Smoky Skillet Lasagna with Crispy Lentils loves company! Try it with a big, zesty green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or a crisp Caesar. Garlicky sautéed greens or classic roasted broccoli are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. And of course, you can never go wrong with a slice of crusty Italian bread to mop the skillet clean.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party twist, serve up Scoops of Smoky Skillet Lasagna with Crispy Lentils in mini ramekins and let the crispy lentils act as a dramatic topper. Or, try layering it into bowls instead of plates so every bite gets a little of each element. A drizzle of chili oil or smoky hot sauce is a fun way to tailor the kick!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer portions to airtight containers. Keep any extra crispy lentils separate if possible—they’ll stay much crunchier stored on their own! Smoky Skillet Lasagna with Crispy Lentils keeps well in the fridge for three to four days. When you’re ready for lunch or another round of dinner, you’ll be so happy you saved some.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can absolutely freeze this dish (minus the garnishes and lentils, which are best added fresh). Let the lasagna cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and store for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and fry up a fresh batch of lentils for contrast when serving.
Reheating
Warm leftover Smoky Skillet Lasagna with Crispy Lentils in the microwave (covered, to keep it from drying out), or gently reheat in a covered skillet over medium-low on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed, then top with a new handful of crispy lentils and fresh basil right before digging in.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Any hearty, flat pasta like mafaldine, broken tagliatelle, or even wide egg noodles work well here—just keep the noodles roughly the same size for easy scooping and ensure they get fully coated in that luscious sauce.
What’s the secret to ultra-crispy lentils?
Dry your cooked lentils really well before frying—spread them on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and pat completely dry. Make sure the oil is hot when the lentils go in, and fry them in a single layer, resisting the temptation to stir too soon. This gives them a beautifully crunchy shell!
Can I make this vegan?
Definitely! Use your favorite plant-based ricotta, swap out the mozzarella and Parmesan for vegan versions, and double-check your lasagna noodles aren’t made with eggs. The unbeatable Smoky Skillet Lasagna with Crispy Lentils magic will still shine.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
For that signature smokiness, you can try a little chipotle powder, a dash of liquid smoke, or fire-roasted tomatoes. Each one brings a unique flavor twist, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite.
Can I prepare Smoky Skillet Lasagna with Crispy Lentils ahead of time?
Yes! Prep the sauce and noodles ahead, store the mixture in the fridge, and just add the cheeses and broil right before serving. For best results, always make the crispy lentils fresh right before serving, so they don’t lose their crunch.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for one satisfying, flavor-packed meal to add to your regular dinner rotation, make it Smoky Skillet Lasagna with Crispy Lentils. It’s cozy, modern, and made for sharing—and just different enough to feel special, even on a busy weeknight. Grab your skillet, gather your people, and get ready for lasagna in all its smoky, crispy, cheesy glory!
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Smoky Skillet Lasagna with Crispy Lentils Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Smoky Skillet Lasagna with Crispy Lentils is a flavorful and satisfying one-pan meal that combines the rich flavors of lasagna with the crunchy goodness of crispy lentils. It’s a vegetarian twist on a classic favorite, perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients
Olive Oil:
2 tablespoons
Cooked Lentils:
1 cup (drained and patted dry)
Onion:
1 small (diced)
Garlic:
3 cloves (minced)
Smoked Paprika:
1 teaspoon
Red Pepper Flakes:
1/2 teaspoon (optional)
Dried Oregano:
1 teaspoon
Salt:
1/2 teaspoon
Black Pepper:
1/4 teaspoon
Crushed Tomatoes:
1 (28-ounce) can
Tomato Paste:
1/4 cup
Lasagna Noodles:
8–10 (broken into large pieces)
Water or Vegetable Broth:
2 cups
Whole Milk Ricotta:
1/2 cup
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese:
1/2 cup
Grated Parmesan Cheese:
1/4 cup
Fresh Basil:
chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Crispy Lentils: In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add cooked lentils in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes until crispy, then stir and continue to crisp for another 2–3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Sauce: Lower heat to medium and add remaining olive oil. Sauté diced onion for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste and stir to combine.
- Noodles: Add broken lasagna noodles and water or broth, making sure noodles are mostly submerged. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender and sauce is thick.
- Cheese: Drop spoonfuls of ricotta over the top, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan. Transfer skillet to the oven and broil for 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven, top with crispy lentils and fresh basil, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use canned lentils for convenience, but be sure to dry them well before crisping.
- For added smokiness, stir in a dash of liquid smoke or use fire-roasted tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Broiled
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous portion
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
